How to Set Up Parental Controls on Nintendo Switch
Keep gaming fun and safe
The Nintendo Switch is brilliant. Kids love it. Parents... sometimes worry about it.
Good news: Nintendo built in solid parental controls. You can limit screen time, restrict games by age rating, and even see what your kids are playing.
Here's how to set it up.
Step 1: Download the app
On your phone, download Nintendo Switch Parental Controls from the App Store or Google Play.
It's free.
Step 2: Link to your Switch
Open the app and follow the steps. You'll need to:
- Sign in with your Nintendo Account (or create one)
- On your Switch, go to System Settings → Parental Controls
- Select "Use Your Smart Device"
- Enter the registration code from the app
Done. They're linked.
Step 3: Set play time limits
In the app, tap Play Time Limit.
You can set:
- Daily limit — 15 minutes to 6 hours
- Bedtime alarm — Switch reminds them to stop at a set time
- Suspend software — Automatically pause the game when time's up
Tip: Start with "Suspend software" off. Let them save their game first. Avoids meltdowns.
Step 4: Set age restrictions
In the app, tap Restriction Level.
Choose a preset:
| Level | What it does |
|---|---|
| Child | Games rated 7+ and under |
| Pre-teen | Games rated 12+ and under |
| Teen | Games rated 16+ and under |
Or tap Custom to choose exactly which types of content to allow.
Step 5: Restrict communication (optional)
Some games let players chat or send messages. You can turn this off.
In the app, under Custom settings, disable:
- Communicating with Others
- Posting Screenshots/Videos to Social Media
Step 6: Check what they're playing
The app shows you:
- Which games they played today
- How long they played each one
- Monthly summary
No need to hover. Just open the app when you want to check.
A note on trust
Parental controls aren't about spying. They're about setting boundaries together.
Talk to your kids about why the limits exist. Adjust them as they get older. The goal isn't control — it's balance.
Need help setting this up?
Get in touch